CHARACTERISTICS OF WOOL Fact Sheet

CHARACTERISTICS OF WOOLFact SheetDurability & resilienceResistance to flameFiber absorbencyChemical structureFeltingResistance to compressionDyeabilityDURABILITY AND RESILIENCE Each wool fiber is a molecular coil-spring making the fiber remarkably elastic. Nature has folded the chemicalpolypeptide chains back upon themselves in such a way that they act like acoiled spring which elongates when it is extended and retracts when it isreleased. This molecular crimp, along with the 3-dimensional fiber, allows woolfibers to be stretched up to 50% when wet and 30% when dry, and still bounceback to their original shape when stress is released. But be careful: When woolis wet the fibers are weaker. Recovery from stress takes place faster when thefiber is in a humid environment; that s why steaming a wool garment will freshen the fabric and why a steam iron is recommended for pressing flexibility of the wool fiber also makes it more durable.

keratin-type protein. Chemically these proteins contain 5 elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. These 5 elements are combined into 19 amino acids linked together in ladder-like polypeptide chains. RESISTANCE TO COMPRESSION Resistance-to-compression values are useful in assessing the suitability of wool for specific end uses.

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